Chiringuito Keys

I took another one of my long walks Wednesday with the idea that I would get pictures of … um… what? … of… pictures…

REMIND ME AGAIN WHY I’M HERE… (CLICK IT TO MAKE IT BIGGER…)

… Oh, chiringuitos! I was about to tell you about chiringuitos.

A chiringuito is a restaurant/bar right on the beach. There are dozens of them here in Fuengirola. I have included photos of those east of where we live (and this time, I really mean east and not west; I got confused on my last post). The chiringuitos are well-known for the “boats” they have outside filled with sand and firewood for preparing different skewered fish (especially sardines).

VERY INVITING.

Enjoying a meal or drink in comfort on the beach with the gorgeous view can be very enticing. But, prices are often higher at the chiringuitos than they are at many of the restaurants and bars across the street. Also, quite often, you don’t get what you pay for. There are, however, a few good ones. I’ve been told the one right across the street from us is one of the best.

Our friend Tynan refuses to eat at a chiringuito. As part of an agreement with the city, all the chiringuitos have to provide public access to their restrooms (toilets). I can’t remember Tynan’s exact words, so I’ll paraphrase (and won’t do him justice):

“Some bloke walks in off the beach. A waiter or someone passes him a key attached to a huge, dirty wooden thingy. The bloke comes back a few minutes later and returns the key. You know full well he hasn’t washed his hands. The staffer hangs the big contaminated wooden thingy back on its hook — using his bare hand, mind you — and goes right back to dishing up your food.”

THE CHIRINGUITO ACROSS FROM US WITH ITS YEAR-ROUND AMARYLLIS.

A SMOKING BOAT.

THE GUY IN THE MOSAIC MUST BE MARTIN.

ALL FIRED UP.

SHADED TERRACE DINING.

CHARMING, BUT AIR QUALITY SUFFERS.

OR IF YOU’D PREFER TO HAVE SOMETHING PREPARED IN THE KITCHEN.